A wonderful, relaxed family sailing trip with many little highlights: cats, bays, walks, good food and plenty of time together. The mix of short legs, safe harbours and child-friendly stops worked perfectly – and we're already looking forward to next May in Croatia.

Sailing area: Adriatic
Country: Croatia
Departure: Marina Mandalina Sibenik
Destination: Marina Mandalina
Route: Sibenik → Kaprije → Primošten → Mali Drvenik → Šolta → Hvar → Palmizana → Stari Grad → Bol → Dramotnja → Pučišća → Supetar → Trogir → Kupinica → Rogoznica → Grebaštica → Šibenik
Nautical miles: 260
Travel dates: 05.05.2026 – 23.05.2026
Sailing yacht: Catamaran, VAAN R4, 42 feet
Charter company: Mare Yachting

Family trip report – May 2026 (Šibenik → Kaprije → Primošten → Mali Drvenik → Šolta → Hvar → Palmizana → Stari Grad → Bol → Dramotnja → Pučišća → Supetar → Trogir → Kupinica → Rogoznica → Grebaštica → Šibenik)
In May 2026 we set off as a family of four – with our two children aged three and five – for a relaxed spring sailing trip. Our starting point was Marina Mandalina in Šibenik, where we took over our boat. The weather was warm but still pleasantly calm, perfect for a trip with young children.

Day 1 – Arrival & city visit in Šibenik
After checking in, we spent the afternoon exploring Šibenik's old town. The children love the narrow lanes, the steps and the viewpoints – and we parents enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town. A leisurely dinner and a short walk back to the marina rounded off the first day perfectly.

Day 2 – On to Kaprije: reunion with the island cats
The next morning we set off towards Kaprije. The children were already quite excited, as we wanted to visit the cats there that we had met and fed the previous year.
And sure enough: some of the cats were back – a little highlight for the kids, who proudly distributed the treats they'd brought along.

In the evening we ate at Restaurant Neptun right on the harbour. Excellent food, super friendly, and the children could run about on the quay while we enjoyed the sunset.

Day 3 – Primošten: Church, peninsula & plenty of exercise
The next morning we continued on to Primošten. There we went for a long walk – first up to the church with its beautiful view over the peninsula, then all the way round along the waterfront promenade.
The children had plenty of space to run, climb and explore, and we could enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the place.

Day 4 – Uvala Vela Rina (Mali Drvenik): Anchoring & swimming stop
From Primošten we continued on to Uvala Vela Rina on Mali Drvenik. The bay is stunning – turquoise water, white sand, the perfect setting for a swimming stop.
The children were in the water straight away, we anchored and spent the afternoon relaxing on board.

When the swell increased later on, we decided to move on.

Day 5 – Šolta, Sesula Uvala: Buoy, dinner & tiring out the children
With a bit more wind and swell we continued on to Šolta, where we picked up a buoy in Sesula Uvala. After dinner on board we walked to the harbour with the children – an ideal spot to let the little ones really run off some steam.
The paths are short, safe, and there's enough space for running and playing.
After a quiet night on the buoy in Sesula bay on Šolta, we continued on towards Hvar. The children were already full of anticipation, as we'd told them we were going to visit an "adventure island".

Day 6 – Uvala Duboka Vela & Hvar: Adventure trail and city visit
Our destination was the offshore island with Uvala Duboka Vela, a sheltered bay with crystal-clear water. There we anchored and climbed up with the children along a little adventurous path through the scrub to the restaurant. For the two of them it was like a little expedition – branches, rocks, narrow paths, everything was explored with curiosity.

From there we continued by shuttle boat to Hvar. The town was lively, sunny and perfect for a leisurely stroll. We explored the old town, had ice cream and enjoyed the atmosphere.

When we returned in the evening, we had to marvel briefly: a sailor had positioned himself extremely close to our boat in our absence. During the night the boats almost touched – he finally had to reset his anchor and find another spot. For us it was a minor upset, the kids didn't notice the "night-time adventure" at all.

Day 7 – Palmizana & on to Stari Grad
The next day we sailed a short hop to Palmizana before continuing on to Stari Grad. There we spent a wonderful day: playground, wander round town, doing laundry – everything was easily within walking distance. The children had space to romp about, we could stroll through the alleyways at leisure. In the evening there was a lovely meal in a little restaurant we discovered by chance.

Day 8 – Golden Horn & Bol
The next morning we sailed to the famous Golden Horn near Bol, where we spent the night on a buoy. The children had been looking forward to the little shuttle train that runs along the beach – unfortunately it was still on its winter break. Still, the day was beautiful: sun, water, beach, and a peaceful evening on board.

Day 9 – Dramotnja: Secluded bay & village visit
We continued along the south coast of Brač, past Sumartin, into the quiet bay of Dramotnja. There we lay completely alone – a stunning spot. We went ashore in the dinghy and had a little wander round the sleepy village. Few restaurants, plenty of peace, a very unspoilt place.

Day 10 – Pučišća: Marble & evening atmosphere
The next day we sailed to Pučišća, known for its white marble. We bought a few little souvenirs and let the evening draw to a close with a view of the town and a glass of wine. The children played on the quay whilst we enjoyed the special atmosphere of this place.

Day 11 – Supetar: Children's highlight & good food
We continued on to Supetar, where the children immediately found their highlight: a bouncy castle and a little amusement park right by the water. For us there was excellent food once again – Supetar is simply perfect for families.

Day 12–13 – Trogir: Rain, wind & enjoying the town
As stormy weather with rain was forecast for the next few days, we sailed to Trogir. There we took on water and spent two days enjoying the town. The old town is ideal for children – little alleyways, safe paths, lots to discover.

Day 14 – Kupinica: High Seas & Anchoring Adventures
We set off a bit too early and encountered proper waves – estimated 3–4 metres. Anchoring by the islands wasn't possible, so we sought shelter in Kupinica Bay.
The next morning we wanted to get away early, but our anchor had picked up a massive steel chain. With a bit of skill and a few tricks we managed to free it – a real manoeuvre we won't forget in a hurry.

Day 15 – Rogoznica & Grebaštica: Cooler Weather & Small Adventures
The weather had cooled down, so we only sailed a short leg to Rogoznica and on to Grebaštica. There we dived for a few dead starfish with the children – a little nature adventure that thrilled them.

Day 16 – Return to Šibenik
The next morning we headed back to Šibenik. A last look at the town, a last breakfast on board – and a wonderful family sailing trip came to an end.